Following the Back British Farming Day reception held at Westminster, NFU President Minette Batters had the opportunity to put questions from members directly to the Farming Minister Mark Spencer.聽
Covered in the session
Mr Spencer addressed a number of key subjects raised by members including labour, TB, food standards and energy price inflation.
The Sustainable Farming Incentive was a subject that was understandably popular with members. Mark was clear to state that clarification was close and that he understands farmers frustrations and their need for a profitable scheme.
"Food security has never been so high on the political agenda....something I know the NFU has lobbied for, for a very long time."
Minister of State for Farming, Fisheries and Food (Defra) Mark Spencer
More information
For more coverage of the Back British Farming Day reception and Prime Minister's Questions head to and on Twitter.
Meet the speakers
Minette Batters
NFU President | 2018 – 2024
Diversification includes the conversion of a 17th century tithe barn into a wedding and corporate events venue, and horse liveries. Minette co-founded the campaigning initiatives 'Ladies in Beef' and the 'Great British Beef Week'.
Campaigning on behalf of NFU members about the importance of British food and farming has been a key driver for Minette throughout her time at the NFU. In 2020 she led one of the most successful petitions ever, bringing together a coalition of chefs, including Jamie Oliver, farmers, environmentalists, consumer groups and animal welfare experts 鈥� resulting in over one million people signing the NFU food standards petition. She has also regularly engaged with different media genres including appearances on Desert Island Discs, Question Time, and Any Questions.
She has been an NFU member from grassroots through to County Chair; she served as Wiltshire鈥檚 Council delegate and also as Regional Board Chair for the South West. Minette has also been a member of NFU Governance Board and served as NFU Deputy President for four years from 2014 to 2018, before being elected as president in February 2018. Minette is also an ambassador of Farm Africa and was made a Deputy Lieutenant to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 2021.
Officeholder responsibilities聽
- Trade and standards
- EU and international relations
- Taxation and fiscal policy
- Science and research and development
- Food supply chain (fair dealing, Markets and Authorities, competition, regulation)
- Food service
- AHDB
- Levelling up
- Education
The Rt Hon Sir Mark Spencer MP
Minister of State for Farming, Fisheries and Food (Defra)
He was previously Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons from February 2022 to September 2022, before which he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Chief Whip) between July 2019 and February 2022. He was elected Conservative MP for Sherwood in May 2010.
Before entering Parliament, Mark was Chairman of the National Federation of Young Farmers鈥� Clubs as well as a District and County Councillor.
He studied at Shuttleworth Agricultural College before joining the family farm business, which now employs around 50 people. He is still a local farmer and businessman, growing the produce which is sold in the farm shop.